Dover and East Kent Scottish Society
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ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING  2010 :   Saturday 11th April 2010. 3pm - 6 pm.

This year the Committee decided to organise the AGM on a Saturday afternoon at a venue which was more accessible than the normal venue of St Paul's Church. Thus the usual venue for our Ceilidhs was booked - the Triangle Centre at Poulton's Close, St Radigunds, Dover.  We also felt that we needed to make it more of a social occasion and so we arranged for refreshments to be served and a variety of entertainment provided.  This was in response to feedback from members and the poor attendance at last year's meeting.
 
The Committee feels that this was a resounding success but please feel free to let us know what you think as we are fully aware that we represent and serve you, the members and any improvements we can make we will endeavour to do so.
 
Unfortunately, both the President, Neil Farquhar and vice-president, Iain Fairweather could not attend this meeting but stepping in to the breach was Society stalwart, Harry Hutchison who agreed to take the Chair for the duration of the meeting and the event. Harry opened with the brief welcome by the President and his apologies for not being able to attend.  Harry explained that after the committee had agreed the date and venue of the AGM and this had been publicised a problem arose which meant that neither President or Vice-President would be in attendance.  The Committee considered all options but had to decide (with a vote of 8-2 ) to stay with the original date with Harry taking the helm. Harry then gave a welcome to all 34 members attending this AGM.
 
We then observed a minutes silence in respect of Dorothy MacFarlane who had recently passed away and had been a great servant to the Society, including being the first Lady President in 1979.  Harry also mentioned that Hilda Crombie had also passed away during the year.
 
The Business of the Society was then presented - The Minutes from the last AGM were discussed and it had been agreed by the Committee that a Summary was all that was required providing all Commitee Meeting Minutes were available for members to see. A file containing all such minutes for the previous two years were available at this meeting.  Harry ensured that this was moved in accordance with the rules and was corectlly proposed and seconded.  There were no matters arising.
 
Graham (Secretary) gave a brief summary of activities this past year.  He explained that he could not understand the poor attendance at St Andrews night as we had employed a better band and had put so much effort into advertsing and promoting this event in Homecoming Scotland Year 2009.  Graham stated that he was proud to be the Secretary of this Society and we should be proud that such a small Society were receiving Global interest - largely through the success of the website which had exceeded 240000 hits !  He had also received good feedback on the quality of the WeeBletherer which he would continue to publish as Editor.   Graham spoke of some of the difficulties encountered this last year with the President so often being away on P&O business but fortunately, Neil had access to e-mails and mobile phones - Graham mentioned that he had mistaken Neil's dates and had once phoned Neil whilst he was on holiday in the Carribean - a slightly more costly phone call but just shows the determination of the committee to ensure the Society's business was properly and promptly executed. Graham stated he was happy to continue as Secretary this next year and would strive to look at ways of increasing membership and gaining advertising revenue through the WeeBletherer and the Website. Graham finished in mentioning that membership was currently 108 members - 8 Associates, 57 Life and 43 Full members .  He finished in stating that we must all try to get any Scots we know to join the Society so that we can survive and thrive.
 
A Balance Sheet was discussed as part of the Treasurer's report and copies were available to all attending. The Society suffered a net operating loss of £384 during 2009/1010 largely due to the disappointingly low attendance at St Andrew's Dinner and Dance for which we had engaged Scotch Mist who were, as Internationally Reknowned artistes, undoubtedly more expensive than usual.  Veronica explained that we could not entertain charitable donations at this stage but that the Committee would make such donations if income allowed during the forthcoming year. She was pleased that all events had shown an operating profit other than St Andrews Dinner & Dance. There had been exceptional expenditure this year which would not be replicated this next year, so Veronica was confident we would remain a viable concern.
Harry thanked Veronica Farquhar (Treasurer) for keeping the Society's books again this past year and for ensuring we remained solvent and viable. He also thanked his son, Graham, for undertaking a comprehensive audit on behalf of the Society and producing the Financial Statement. 
 
Harry then gave a brief report on the Robert Burns World Federation stating that the main change was that the Chief Executive and Secretary, Shirley Bell had retired in October and the Federation had appointed Sam Judge . Harry then reported that both he and his son Graham had represented this Society at the WBF Annual Conference in Edinburgh during September, 2009.  Also in attendance from this Society were John and Joan Paterson. It was a great event with Alex Salmond, First Minister, inviting some 250 guests to a gala buffet reception at the National Galleries.  In his welcome speech he said he would address us as fellow members of the Federation and there was not a hint of politics as he moved freely amongst us, speaking to as many of us as possible.  This conference has been reported well on the wesbite and weeblether so he did not wish to say too much at this AGM.  John Paterson was then invited to say a few words on his recent trip to Russia on behalf of the World Burns Federation. Russian Schools always enter the Schools competitions and winners this year came from St  and John had been part of the party visiting and awarding prizes to Russian school children.
 
A main part of the business side of the AGM was the Rule change proposals which was the result of Graham's painstaking evaluation and review of the Society's rules to ensure they were still fit for purpose.  Harry introduced each rule change inviting any questions and comments.
Graham had produced a table containing the existing rules, the revised rules and an explanation as to the need for the change but was able to elucidate further as the need arose. Apart from a slight change in the wording of one rule change, which involved some discussion on clarification or interpretation of "partner" this was thereby amended and voted on, and carried, all changes were carried unanimously. These revised rules are now reproduced later in this website.
 
Then came the nominations for office bearers of the Committee :- The nominations were all carried and are listed later in this website.
 
Considering the amount of business we had to get through, our chair Harry kept remarkable time and this concluded at 4.23 pm which then allowed the entertainment and refreshments to begin.  There was a feast of snacks and cakes, tea and coffee provided by the hardworking Committee and the entertainment consisted of Margaret Danstead playing the Harp,  The Junior Scottish Country Dancers, lead by Norma Nunn giving a grand display of dances, a Poem read by John Paterson, singing by Norma Nunn and of course tunes by our piper Margaret Adamson.
 
The tables and chairs had been arranged so that there could be plenty of blether and it was good to see all attendees, both young and old, mixing and enjoying the fayre and chat.
 
The Committee would like to thank all those who helped both set up the hall and in the clearing up afterwards, it was much appreciated.
 
We feel that this was a great success, but please let us have your views and any suggestions for future AGMs.
 
 
 
 
 SUMMARY
 

The Dover and East Kent Scottish Society :

A brief history :  A gathering of 8 patriotic Scots gathered in The Prince Regent Public House in the Market Square, Dover in September 1887 and founded the Dover and East Kent Scottish Society and on 30th November 1887 their first St Andrew’s Dinner was held in the Apollonian Hall.  From 1900 the St Andrew’s Flag was flown from municipal buildings to mark St Andrew’s Day. Also in 1900 the society was presented with a portrait of Robert Burns which is still displayed at each Burns’ supper.

Many of the early members were from the military with Dover being a base for the Army, Navy and RAF with the office of President often being held by serving serviceman, Captains through to Colonels.   The aims were (1) to promote social and friendly meetings of members; (2) holding an annual dinner ; (3) Relief of deserving fellow countrymen and their families.

The Society boasts a Knight of the Thistle amongst it’s members as in 1955, Group Captain (RAF) George Nigel Douglas-Hamilton , 10th Earl of Selkirk became a Life Member with his wife Audrey and was the Guest speaker at St Andrew’s night that year.   The Earl and Countess are not the only nobility to have graced our Society as in 1958,  Lord and Lady Kilmarnock were special guests  at St Andrew’s night in 1958.  Lady Diana told the enthralled audience that she the brooch she was wearing was in fact 400 years old and had been worn by the Jacobite Lord (Robert Boyd)Kilmarnock when he was beheaded in 1746 following Culloden.

Another famous member and past President of the Society is Davie Laing who played professional football for Hearts and Clyde where he won the Scottish Cup in 1955. He was president of this society in 1981. We also have a President of the World Burns’ Federation on our books – Major (retd) John Paterson 2005/6 who is a past President of our Society and life member.

Although membership is dwindling and attendances at functions is diminishing the Society is still thriving as the oldest in existence in Kent.  We still hold two major functions each year, St Andrew’s Dinner & Dance – this year it is on Friday 27th November 2009 with special guest performers, Scotch Mist, and Burns’ Suppers.  We also hold at least two Ceilidhs each year and a recent one on October 30th had a Halloween theme with Tartan and Terror.  This year we also supported Homecoming Scotland with a group of members participating in a Lochs and Glens Trip taking in the Edinburgh Tattoo.  We have also attended theatre trips, musical performances, meals, cruise a la carte Channel day trips and charity events so the original aims of the Society are still held true today after some 122 years.

Each year we support charities such as, Children’s Hospice Association Scotland, Scottish National Institute for war Blinded, Help for Heroes, Royal Caledonian School, Jean Armour Burns’ Homes, National Trust for Scotland, St Michael’s Church (Dumfries) Burns’ Windows fund, Kent Air Ambulance, Disabled in Kent,  Dover Lifeboats Funds.  As we operate on a not for profit basis this is a remarkable achievement and credit to the hardworking committee.

We also publish a quarterly magazine entitled the WeeBletherer which is distributed free to members and is currently produced to a professional standard by our Secretary, Graham Hutchison. We are also on the World wide web – www.thescottishsociety.co.uk  which again is produced by Graham and currently has exceeded 170,000 hits !

This has brought us into contact with similar societies and associations all over the world and we are proud of our wee Society which in the last year has had mention in New York, Tokyo, Argentina, Mexico, California, Melbourne, Auckland, Missouri, Dubai, Montreal, Calgary, Toronto and hopefully we will continue to increase our exchange portfolio.

We have been proud to support Homecoming Scotland 2009 and secretary Graham Hutchison and his dad Harry (Burns’ Federation Executive member for London and South east and stalwart and past president of this society) attended the First Minister’s reception at the National Galleries as part of the Burn’s Federation Annual Conference.  Graham, together with his wife, Davina, attended the Dover Burn’s supper in January and immediately afterwards drove up to Dumfries to take part in the Burns’Light weekend celebrations where some 15 to 20000 people gathered on Whitesands and in the Town.

We will continue to support and promote Scotland and anything Scottish and hopefully stay in existence for another 122 years. We will also continue to support the World Burns’ Federation and remain as members of this wonderful federation.  The federation and belonging to this federation is not just about Burns’ but about understanding humanity and a better way of life.

 

Graham Hutchison

Secretary DEKSS
 
WE MAKE CHARITABLE DONATIONS TO MANY DESERVING CAUSES :-
 
  • CHILDRENS HOSPICE ASSOCIATION SCOTLAND  (CHAS) 
This charity is a Scottish Charity which is the only providor in Scotland of Hospice services to children with
life shortening illnesses.  They run two hospices at Kinross and Balloch and provide family support at the mosr crucial time
in the way of breaks and at home care services.  Currently they support some 250 families per year and the £6m budget
needed to operate comes from legacies, donations and fundraising.  DEKSS are proud to be regular donators of this deserving charity.
We did an article in the WeeBletherer in the past together with a spread in this website.  We intend to continue to support them.
 
  • SCOTTISH NATIONAL INSTITUTION FOR WARBLINDED  - ROYAL BLIND
This charity provides assistance to members of the armed forces who have suffered significant visual impairment . It is not
limited to only serviceman injured during duty.    This assistance may be in provision of temporary accommodation, advice, daycare,
daycentres, lifeskills, workskills, community and outreach services, travel etc.  The Charity links with other charities and
organisations to provide the care the forces or ex-forces member requires. DEKSS are regular donators and will continue to do so.
 
  •   THE JEAN ARMOUR, ROBERT BURNS MEMORIAL HOMES
This is a charitable organisation which provides housing for deserving single elderly persons who have fallen on hard times. The
memorial homes are based in Mauchline, Ayr which has very close linke with both Robert Burns and Jean Armour.  DEKSS make regular
donations to this charity which is hoping to expand with more homes for th elderly needy.
 
  • ROYAL NATIONAL LIFEBOAT INSTITUTE       RNLI
This is not strictly aimed at deserving Scottish people but this Society has longstanding links with the Sea, firstly with Scottish members of
the armed forces based at Dover, many members had association or employment with Merchant shipping and it is felt this is a particular
good cause to be associated with. The Dover Lifeboat has been running since 1837 and was taken over by the RNLI in 1855.  DEKSS make
regular donations to this deserving charity which serves all travellers ariund Great Britain.
 
  • The NATIONAL TRUST FOR SCOTLAND      NTS
This organisation is the National preservation and conservation charity which protects, preserves and promotes the natural and cultural
heritage pf Scotland and depends on legacies, grants, donations and membership subscriptions of its' 310000 members.  Members are
afforded admittance of National Trust properties throughout Great Britain.  NTS supports many of the initiatives relating to Robert Burns
and DEKSS will continue to support either through regular donations or specific individual projects.
 
  • ROYAL CALEDONIAN SCHOOLS TRUST :   THE CALEY
This charity was set up in 1815 to help with the education of children of Scots who were either serving, or had served, in the armed forces.
The CALEY as it became known also help educate the children of poor Scots in London.   Grants are awarded for all types of Educational expenses,
such as fees, clothing, trips, travel, expenses and even living accomodation for those in higher education.  Some qulifying projects are also
supported and they have given over £1m to deserving children of Scots descent.  DEKSS will continue to support periodically subject to
funds being available.
 
  • KENT AIR AMBULANCE
Again, not a specific Scottish charity, DEKSS have made donations to this worthy cause as it benefits everyone living in Kent who may be so
unfortunate to require their services .  It cost £1.7 m per year to run and this derives completely from donations and sponsorship. DEKSS are
happy to be associated with supporting this deserving charity.
 
  • ST. MICHAELS CHURCH, DUMFRIES
DEKSS made a specific donation to this Church as a contribution to the purchase, maintenance and lighting of the new stained glass windows
of Robert Burns and Jean Armour as part of Homecoming Scotland 2009.  Graham, our Secretary, and his wife, Davina, were in attendance
representing our Society, during the unveiling ceremony in January 2009, by the Duke of Buccleuch. 
 
  • DISABLED IN KENT
DEKSS made a specific donation to support the production of Information for Disabled residents and visitors to Kent.   Again, not a Scottish
charity but one which we felt benefited our less mobile and able members. 
 
  • ARTHRITIS CARE SCOTLAND 
DEKSS has made donations to this deserving charity which makes a difference for those sufferers in Scotland and staffed mostly by
volunteers. It is also a National charity covering teh whole of the UK.
 
  • THE ROBERT BURNS WORLD FEDERATION
DEKSS is a Federated Member of the World Federation with two current serving Executive Members amongst our membership.  In addition
to supporting the Federation with our membership subscriptions we have, from time to time made contributions fpr specific purposes, such as the
repairs to Leglen Wood and various Burns' Statues as well as the Mausoleum at Dumfries.  We are also regular contributors to the content of
the BURNS CHRONICLE.    We also made a monetary donation to the installation of the Burns window in St Giles Cathedral, Edinburgh.
 
  • CULLODEN
DEKSS purchased a commemorative stone in THE CULLODEN WALK which is run by the National Trust for Scotland and helped finance the
building of the new visitor centre. The Culloden Experience is a great initiative and DEKSS are proud to have purchased a Stone which means
our Society is permanently etched in the Culloden Walk.  Members may want to visit the website rather than travel the 640 miles to actually
see our stone, which is located at row 91 !  
 
  • HELP FOR HEROES
DEKSS made a specific donation in support of the launch of this worthy cause. It has become a well supported and promoted charity
helping our wounded service personnel. 
 
  • THE LORD MAYORS' CHARITY, CANTERBURY
DEKSS made a specific donation to this charity as Graham, our Secretary was taking part in a charity zip-wire event in Canterbury and donning
the DEKSS emblazoned across his T shirt.  Much of the charity money raised was in aid of Kent Walking Bus, making it safer for school children to get too
and from School.
 
I have included links to the appropriate websites on the links pages.
 
 I think we should be proud of the fact that we have been able to make so many charitable donations to worthy causes
from quite limited budgets and very restricted potential for raising funds. We continue to run as a not for profit
organisation and our donations rely wholly on members subscriptions, donations, and any operating profit from running
the various functions, though it must be noted we run these, in the main, to break even.